Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower or known as Red Clock Tower is located at Dutch Square, Bandar Hilir. This iconic architectural structure has been long-standing for about 134 years, which is one of the most famous sights and essential stops in the city. Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower was built in 1886, 61 years after the Dutch surrendered Melaka to the British.

The clock tower was a symbol of family love because it was built by a son who wanted to fulfill his father’s request. According to history, the clock tower was built by Tan Jiak Kim, a Peranakan Chinese philanthropist who wanted to fulfill the wishes of his late father, Tan Beng Swee, who dreamed of a clock tower in the heart of Melaka when he was alive.

Right after his father’s death, the clock tower was built at the Stadthuys building near Queen Victoria’s Fountain, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, and Christ Church. The clock tower has four clocks. Each face of the four clocks has a diameter of 34.5 cm featuring Roman numerals that were imported from England.

Back in 1982, those four clocks were replaced with ones from Japan’s Seiko brand, much to the chagrin of senior citizens in Melaka, who remembered their harsh treatment and suffering under the Japanese occupation.

Operation Hour : Open 24 hours.

Address : Melaka Clock Tower, 17, Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka